QBS radio has banned one of its DJs from playing electronic dance music (EDM), Joe Mitri, host of show Vibetronics Sessions, has said.

Last night, the DJ complained about management’s decision in a public post on his Facebook page, telling fans that he will have to retool his show’s format. Mitri has since deleted the message, but not before it prompted some two dozen comments, many expressing disappointment at the decision.

It is unclear why EDM was banned. Nasser Ahmed Bilal, controller of the radio station’s foreign programs declined to comment on the matter, but a receptionist told Doha News “it was his (Bilal’s) personal choice.”

Mitri’s show – which is broadcast three evenings a week at 10pm – showcases his own mixes of club, trance and dance music. On radio website MixCloud, he describes the show as “a pure dance music education, 3 hours that brings the underground sound to the crowd of Doha City! Finally !”

Here’s Mitri’s post:

Many of the DJ’s listeners responded to the message with support. Keith Anton commented:

“So much for opening up for the world cup?? A very sad day for musical art and culture and a big step back into the dark ages by Qatar. I am sure that the majority of the lovely citizens of Qatar are unhappy with this poor decision.”

Edgar Gomes added:

“I foresee a drop in audience on Wednesdays and Friday evenings for QBS”

And Mark Blow wrote:

“I thought Qatar was meant to be a progressive Arab country? So you can buy electronic dance music in Virgin Megastore, but we’re not allowed to listen to it on the radio?”

Notably, QBS is continuing to air acclaimed British Council music show The Selector every week. The show focuses on “underground” music styles, which, according to its website, includes “indie, dubstep, folk, soul, electro and everything in between.”  

Thoughts?

Credit: Image courtesy of Joe Mitri‘s Facebook page